YouSaid · the spoken record

Secretary-General

lines on the record: 2,998
first: 1995-09-26
most recent: 2021-05-16
sittings or episodes: 363
sources: un-security-council

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“The documents will be available at the end of the meeting. First, we are working to improve the safety and security of peacekeepers. We have already started to implement measures to improve the preparedness and response of missions at high risk by strengthening training, reviewing medical support and addressing performance issues. Secondly, we are conducting independent reviews of peacekeeping missions aimed at refining their priorities and configuration, while assessing the viability of their mandates and political processes. The reviews are aimed at ensuring that we have well-trained and -equipped peacekeepers who are mobile and agile and can be proactive in dealing with challenges and threats. Too often in the past our troops have been reduced to waiting in a defensive position, giving hostile forces the time and space to plan attacks.”
2018-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8218 (2018) · source
“Lives and our credibility are being lost. Such challenges require strong collective action. We should focus our efforts on three areas: refocusing peacekeeping with realistic expectations; making peacekeeping missions stronger and safer; and mobilizing greater support for political solutions and for well-structured, well-equipped and well-trained forces. The Secretariat has set change in motion on the basis of the Security Council and General Assembly's resolutions on sustaining peace, the Cruz report and other reviews and reports over recent years. Today, and on a regular basis, I will provide Member States with a summary of the concrete actions that have been implemented and that are the responsibility of my Under-Secretaries-General for peacekeeping operations and field support.”
2018-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8218 (2018) · source
“United Nations peacekeepers are often underequipped, underprepared and unready for the dangerous environments in which they now operate. There are gaps in command and control, culture, equipment and training. Peacekeepers are vulnerable and they are targeted for attack. Last year we lost 59 peacekeepers through malicious acts. That is a sharp increase over the figure for 2016, which was 34. I pay tribute to the fallen. We will never forget their sacrifice. Those figures are unacceptable and weigh on us all. That is why this year I will spend the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers in Mali, where our Mission sustained the highest number of casualties of any operation last year. We are damaging the instrument of peacekeeping, and indeed multilateralism itself, by creating unrealistic expectations.”
2018-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8218 (2018) · source
“It is inspiring to see Cote d'Ivoire represented here today in the Council. Three United Nations peacekeeping missions have completed their mandates and left after a job well done. That is our aim for every mission. However, we all know that United Nations peacekeeping faces serious challenges, particularly in four of its largest deployments: Mali, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic and South Sudan. Put simply, peace operations cannot succeed if they are deployed instead of a political solution rather than in support of one. United Nations peacekeeping missions now operate in far more dangerous, complex and high-risk environments. They are under threat from armed groups, criminals and terrorists who have access to powerful modern weapons.”
2018-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8218 (2018) · source
“I thank the Kingdom of the Netherlands for organizing this important debate and I thank you, Mr. Prime Minister, for presiding over it. In the past year I have addressed the Council several times on peacekeeping reform. It is now time to take action together. At its best, United Nations peacekeeping is a remarkable enterprise of multilateralism and international solidarity. From Sierra Leone to Cambodia, Timor-Leste, Namibia, El Salvador and elsewhere, United Nations peacekeeping has helped countries move from war to peace and has supported the work of civil-society activists such as Ms. Fatimata Toure, who is with us today. In West Africa, for example, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Cote d'Ivoire are now peaceful, thanks in part to the support of United Nations peacekeeping.”
2018-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8218 (2018) · source
“On Thursday, the conflict will enter its eighth year. I refuse to lose my hope to see Syria rising from the ashes. To see a united, democratic Syria able to avoid fragmentation and sectarianism and with its sovereignty and territorial integrity respected, and to see a Syrian people able to freely decide their future and choose their political leadership.”
2018-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8201 (2018) · source
“I appeal to all parties to ensure the full implementation of resolution 2401 (2018) throughout the whole of Syrian territory. The United Nations is ready to assist in any effort to make that happen. I call on all States with influence to exercise it in support of the efforts of the United Nations and the implementation of the resolution. I hope that this week's Astana ministerial meeting, which will gather the guarantors of de-escalation, will concretely restore de-escalation arrangements, and take real steps on detainees, abductees and missing persons. The dramatic situation I have described - the calamity across the country, the rivalries, the cynicism, the cruelty - highlight the need for a political solution. My Special Envoy continues to work towards the full implementation of resolution 2254 (2015).”
2018-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8201 (2018) · source
“Even if we cannot verify them, we cannot ignore them. I continue to urge the Council to find unity on this issue. Having said what I said, I believe that despite all the difficulties, lack of trust, mutual suspicions and cold calculations, it should be possible to implement resolution 2401 (2018). It should be possible to have a cessation of hostilities. It should be possible to deliver aid. It should be possible to evacuate the sick and wounded. It should be possible to lift the sieges. It should be possible to accelerate humanitarian mine action throughout Syria. It should also be possible to remove Security Council-listed terrorist fighters from conflict zones without massive and indiscriminate attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure. We cannot give up, for the sake of the Syrian people.”
2018-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8201 (2018) · source
“In eastern Ghouta, health partners on the ground advise that more than 1,000 people are in urgent need of medical evacuation. The United Nations is ready to support these medical evacuations, in cooperation with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent and other partners. A prioritized list of those in greatest need, mostly children, has been shared with the Syrian authorities. I urge a positive response, hoping that today's meeting will allow these actions to take place in the immediate future. The Syrian Arab Red Crescent has announced its intention to send a relief convoy to Afrin as soon as security conditions allows. A United Nations humanitarian mission is awaiting Government authorization to immediately deploy to Raqqa for assessments of security and needs. There are also new disturbing allegations of the use of chlorine gas.”
2018-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8201 (2018) · source
“But we are obviously far from safe, unimpeded and sustained delivery of humanitarian aid, as demanded in resolution 2401 (2018), as well as other relevant Security Council resolutions. And so the humanitarian and human rights situation is becoming more desperate by the day. In Douma, relief workers who reached the city last week described conditions as shocking and overwhelming. People are sheltering in overcrowded basements. Access to food, water and sanitation is limited. In relation to Douma, we have a convoy ready that I hope will be allowed to proceed in the coming days, especially after the results of today's meeting. As in all conflict settings, the specific needs of women are not receiving sufficient attention, including access to safe spaces, critical health services, medicine and baby formula for their children.”
2018-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8201 (2018) · source
“United Nations personnel from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs accompanying the convoy were also denied access to eastern Ghouta. Violence rendered the operation extremely perilous, despite prior assurances from the parties to the conflict. The insecurity forced the team to reluctantly halt unloading and to return to Damascus with a large share of the food aid still on the trucks. On 9 March, a convoy of 13 trucks reached Douma, delivering the remaining food assistance that could not be offloaded four days earlier. Once again, shelling occurred nearby, despite assurances having been provided by all parties. In those difficult circumstances, I commend the valiant humanitarian workers risking their lives to provide assistance and protection to people in need.”
2018-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8201 (2018) · source
“In that context, even though the five-hour window was insufficient to enable the safe, unimpeded and sustained delivery of humanitarian aid and services, as demanded in the resolution, on 5 March the United Nations sent an inter-agency convoy of 46 trucks to Douma, in eastern Ghouta, with food for 27,500 people, along with health and nutrition supplies. Yet those 27,500 represented only a third of the requested beneficiaries, all in desperate need. And most of the health supplies were removed by the Syrian authorities, including basic medicines, dialysis treatments and trauma and surgical materials, such as burn dressings and adrenaline, despite the provisions of paragraph 8 of resolution 2401 (2018). According to the World Health Organization, only about 30 per cent of medical supplies in the convoy were allowed in.”
2018-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8201 (2018) · source
“However, the Government of Syria did not allow the delivery of life-saving medicines, such as insulin, nor key items, including solar lamps, syringes and paediatric scales. As I mentioned earlier, in eastern Ghouta, the Russian Federation unilaterally announced a daily five-hour humanitarian pause in the fighting, starting from 27 February, to prevent civilian victims and to enable civilians to leave the enclave. In reality, few civilians left. On the one hand, sufficient protection standards were not in place for voluntary movement. Moreover, armed groups prevented others from leaving.”
2018-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8201 (2018) · source
“Allow me to now turn to our efforts to address the humanitarian crisis. When resolution 2401 (2018) was adopted, the United Nations and its humanitarian partners stood ready to deliver. Plans were in place for multiple convoys each week to agreed-upon locations, in response to independently assessed needs. Unfortunately, the actual delivery did not match our plan. Let me describe what it was possible to do in the past two weeks. On 1 March, humanitarian organizations delivered assistance to some 50,000 people in the hard-to-reach areas of Afrin and Tell Rifaat, north of Aleppo. On 4 March, a convoy of 19 trucks organized by the United Nations, the Syrian Arab Red Crescent and partners reached Dar Kabira, in northern Homs. It provided assistance to 33,500 people of the requested 40,250.”
2018-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8201 (2018) · source
“As the situation continues to unfold, the Turkish offensive in Afrin - pursued with armed opposition group allies - intensified with air strikes and ground advances against Partiya Yekitiya Demokrat/People's Protection Units fighters, reinforced, in turn, by elements coming from eastern Syria, where they were combating Da'esh. Pro-Syrian Government forces have also deployed inside of Afrin. The fighting resulted in significant civilian displacement, with reports of numerous casualties and damage to infrastructure. With the cooperation of Syrian armed opposition groups, Turkish forces established a so-called buffer zone inside Syrian territory, linking northern rural Aleppo and Idlib, and surrounding Afrin from three sides. The offensive is now pushing ever closer towards the city, with its large civilian population.”
2018-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8201 (2018) · source
“During this whole period, the shelling from eastern Ghouta to Damascus was also ongoing, causing dozens of civilian deaths and injuries, with some reports putting the number close to 100. My Special Envoy and I have remained apprised at each step of the diplomatic engagement, offering support and guidance to ensure the implementation in letter and spirit of the resolution. In short, as my Special Envoy has said to the Council, we are leaving no stone unturned in trying to bring all major stakeholders to the table and contribute in a concrete fashion to find a sustainable solution for the implementation of resolution 2401 (2018).”
2018-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8201 (2018) · source
“Furthermore, I take note of a statement issued today by Jaysh Al-Islam: "[i] n the context of Security Council resolutions 2254 (2015) and 2401 (2018), an agreement was reached with the Russian side through the United Nations for ahumanitarian medical evacuation of the wounded for treatment outside of eastern Ghouta." We are also hearing reports of tentative initiatives, both by tribal leaders and the Russian Federation, for contact with other groups on the ground. I wish to underscore the urgency of seeing medical evacuations, civilian protection and full, sustained and unimpeded humanitarian access as soon as possible. Meanwhile, attacks on other parts of eastern Ghouta continue, with the enclave now split into three separate pockets.”
2018-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8201 (2018) · source
“On that day, with the ceasefire between the Government and Jaysh Al-Islam forces largely holding in Douma, the meeting took place, followed by a meeting today. As I speak to the Council now, I have not yet received a full report on the results of today's meeting. But I was informed by our people in Damascus as I was entering the Chamber that there has been progress with regard to civilian evacuations and humanitarian aid.”
2018-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8201 (2018) · source
“The first group of Al-Nusra Front fighters and their families were since evacuated from eastern Ghouta. Nevertheless, it has not been possible to facilitate contact between the Russian authorities and Faylak Al-Rahman. The group insisted that the meeting take place in Geneva. The Russian Federation insisted that the meeting take place on the ground. On 10 March, Government forces intensifiedtheir offensive, capturing the city of Misraba in a movement aiming at dividing the enclave into three separate areas. On the evening of that same day, the Russian Federation informed the United Nations that a unilateral ceasefire would take place at midnight, in relation to Jaysh Al-Islam in Douma. It was agreed that a meeting would be held on 11 March with the facilitation of the United Nations.”
2018-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8201 (2018) · source
“The Syrian Government and its allies intensified air strikes and launched a ground offensive, progressively gaining control ofparts of eastern Ghouta from about 10 per cent of the enclave on 3 March to more than 60 per cent today. The offensive initially took place in less populated areas, steadily moving to urban centres and forcing large-scale displacement. In the follow up to the efforts I have described, it was possible on 8 and 10 March to convene two meetings between Russian officials and Jaysh Al-Islam in the outskirts of eastern Ghouta, with the United Nations as an observer. In those meetings, progress was made in relation to the removal of a number of members of the Al-Nusra Front, as well as other aspects, including the potential for a ceasefire and improved humanitarian access.”
2018-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8201 (2018) · source
“That letter stated that Syria positively welcomed resolution 2401 (2018), as it "stresses firm commitment to the Syrian State's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity in accordance with the provisions of the United Nations Charter and calls for implementing a humanitarian truce across Syria to ensure a safe, sustainable and unhindered access of humanitarian aid." That same day, my Special Envoy informed the Russian Federation of his intention to invite the three armed opposition groups to a meeting with the Russian Federation in Geneva three days later. On 7 March, his interlocutors replied that they did not think a meeting in Geneva was the best option and were pursuing contacts on the ground with the relevant armed opposition groups. As those diplomatic efforts were taking place, fighting went on.”
2018-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8201 (2018) · source
“The respective commanders issued further letters, expressing the groups' readiness to negotiate with the Russian Federation in Geneva. In parallel, both I and my Special Envoy engaged with the relevant authorities of the Russian Federation. My team on the ground did likewise, and also engaged with the Government of Syria. We offered the good offices of the United Nations to facilitate and observe any meeting between the representatives of the armed opposition groups, the Syrian Government and the Russian Federation. Despite our best efforts over the course of a few days, it was not possible to schedule any meeting. Meanwhile, on 6 March, the Syrian Government addressed a letter to me and to the President of the Security Council.”
2018-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8201 (2018) · source
“On 27 February, the President of the Security Council and I received a letter from the Syrian National Committee conveying another letter from the three armed opposition groups in eastern Ghouta - Jaysh Al-Islam, Faylaq Al-Rahman and Ahrar Al-Sham. They expressed their commitment "to the full implementation of the relevant Security Council resolutions, especially resolution 2401 (2018)", and to expelling from eastern Ghouta "the armed groups of Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham, the Al-Nusra Front and Al-Qaida and all of those belonging to them". They also promised to ensure humanitarian access and the facilitation of the work of United Nations agencies. On receiving the letter, the Office of the Special Envoy opened channels with all three groups, inside and outside the enclave.”
2018-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8201 (2018) · source
“Since the adoption of resolution 2401 (2018), my Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura and I have been focused on helping to create the conditions for a cessation of hostilities in eastern Ghouta, where, as I said to the Council two weeks ago, people have been living in a hell on Earth (see S/PV.8185). As the Special Envoy told the Council a few days ago, eastern Ghouta is the most urgent situation, because it is where we have the clearest potential to try to support the de-escalation in concrete ways, and because we have been concretely approached. On 26 February, the Russian Federation announced a five-hour daily humanitarian pause in eastern Ghouta. I will speak to that later in my remarks.”
2018-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8201 (2018) · source
“The resolution reiterates its demand "reminding in particular the Syrian authorities, that all parties immediately comply with their obligations under international law, including international human rights law, as applicable, and international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians". And I remind all involved that even efforts to combat groups identified as terrorists by the Council do not supersede those obligations. Yet we see egregious violations, indiscriminate attacks and a failure to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure.”
2018-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8201 (2018) · source
“Some reports even put the toll at more than 1,000. The resolution further demands the enabling of "the safe, unimpeded and sustained delivery of humanitarian aid and services". Despite some limited convoy deliveries, the provision of humanitarian aid and services has been neither safe, unimpeded or sustained. The resolution calls on "all parties to immediately lift the sieges of populated areas, including in eastern Ghouta, Yarmouk, Fo'ah and Kafraya". No sieges have been lifted. The resolution demands medical evacuations of the critically sick and wounded. To our knowledge, not one critically sick or wounded person has so far been evacuated. But I will come back to that later in relation to a recent announcement.”
2018-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8201 (2018) · source
“Resolution 2401 (2018) demands that all parties "cease hostilities without delay, and engage immediately to ensure full and comprehensive implementation for a durable humanitarian pause for at least 30 consecutive days throughout Syria", while still countering Da'esh and other groups designated as terrorists by the Council. It is true that in some areas, such as Deir ez-Zor and Douma, where there has been a recent ceasefire that I will address later, the conflict is diminishing in intensity. Yet there has been no cessation of hostilities. Violence continues in eastern Ghouta and beyond, including in Afrin, parts of Idlib and into Damascus and its suburbs. In eastern Ghouta in particular, the air strikes, shelling and ground offensives have intensified since the resolution's adoption and have claimed hundreds of civilian lives.”
2018-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8201 (2018) · source
“Many of the Syrians who journeyed even farther from home in search of safety have found the doors that they once opened to others in need shut in their faces. A country known for its ancient civilization and a people known for their rich diversity have been betrayed, and Syria is bleeding inside and out. There should be one agenda only for all of us - ending the suffering of the Syrian people and finding a political solution to the conflict. And the Council has a particular responsibility in that regard. Let me now turn to the implementation of resolution 2401 (2018) and the issue of the compliance of all the relevant parties in Syria. I do so with a caveat. The United Nations is following developments closely, but we do not have the full picture, owing to our limited presence and restricted access on the ground.”
2018-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8201 (2018) · source
“As United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in the aftermath of the Iraq war, I saw the remarkable hospitality of the Syrian people in hosting 1.5 million Iraqi refugees - not in camps, but in their communities across the country. Syria was a place where refugees could live in security as they tried to rebuild their lives and raise their families. Today, so many of those generous Syrians who shared so much have themselves been forced from their homes, becoming refugees or internally displaced. In neighbouring countries - whose enormous hospitality I have also witnessed, but who are burdened by overwhelming needs - the vast majority of Syrian refugees live below the poverty line.”
2018-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8201 (2018) · source
“I am here to report on the implementation of resolution 2401 (2018), which the Council adopted unanimously on 24 February. But I am keenly aware that I am doing so just as the bloodletting in Syria enters its eighth year. I would like to highlight just one stark fact on this grimmest of anniversaries, which is that in 2017, more children were killed in Syria than in any other year since the war began. I am deeply saddened by the immense loss and cascading suffering of the Syrian people. And I am deeply disappointed by all those who, year after year, by action or inaction, design or indifference, have allowed this to happen. My grief and frustration are compounded by all that I know of the people of Syria.”
2018-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8201 (2018) · source
“I again call on the international community to ensure predictable and adequate financing for African forces operating in Somalia, the Sahel and around Lake Chad. We are also forging closer ties with the European Union and several other organizations. The purposes and principles of the Charter speak to today's challenges as firmly as they spoke to people who had just lived through the most horrible war the world has ever seen. The reforms in which we are all engaged, which span peace and security, development and management, aim to make us more effective in fulfilling the Charter's vision. The Charter is our living template for serving "we the peoples". The Secretariat stands ready to help Member States embrace the full spirit of the Charter and use it to its full potential across all pillars of our work.”
2018-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8185 (2018) · source
“We must be careful to avoid unintended consequences, including humanitarian ones. Let me turn now from Chapters VI and VII to Chapter VIII. Even before most regions had created regional or subregional organizations, the drafters ofthe Charter recognized the value of regional arrangements and agencies as a first resort for the pacific settlement of local disputes. Regional perspectives are critical in understanding challenges. Regional capacities are crucial for rapid deployment. Regional ownership is essential for solutions to take root. Among the most vital and dynamic of today's partnerships is our work with the African Union. Our organizations have signed two new framework agreements - on peace and security, and on the alignment of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with Africa's Agenda 2063.”
2018-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8185 (2018) · source
“We look to the Security Council to provide clear and focused mandates, and we call for greater engagement on the part of all Member States in providing personnel and political, material and financial backing. At the same time, peacekeeping is not the solution to all crisis situations. Different contexts may require other kinds of action, including peace enforcement and counter-terrorist operations undertaken by coalitions of Member States. Here, too, clear Security Council mandates and predictable, adequate funding will be critical. Today, we have the highest number of United Nations sanctions regimes in the history of the Organization. Since implementation goes beyond Member States, greater attention may need to be paid to the private sector, in particular the financial industry.”
2018-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8185 (2018) · source
“For these and other reasons, the United Nations ends up serving as a crisis baby-sitter or focusing on simple containment - and that is simply not sustainable. A detailed plan of action to enhance the safety and security of peacekeepers is being implemented by the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and our missions. The Department is also carrying out a series of strategic reviews under the guidance of the Security Council. There is no one-size-fits-all operation. Our aim is to refocus peacekeeping with realistic expectations; with well-structured, well-supported and well-equipped forces; and with the support we need from host countries.”
2018-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8185 (2018) · source
“The word "peacekeeping" does not appear in the Charter, but that flagship United Nations activity is firmly rooted in the Charter's ideals and demonstrates the Charter's flexibility. Peacekeeping has a solid record of service, sacrifice and success, and it has ably served as a tool to assist in the peaceful settlement of disputes, as well as to achieve more robust objectives. However, today peacekeeping faces major challenges. Often, peacekeepers are deployed indefinitely to dangerous environments where there is little peace to keep, where there are no political solutions in sight, where there are multiple armed groups and where casualties are rising sharply from attacks on peacekeepers.”
2018-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8185 (2018) · source
“Of course, the Charter confers upon the Security Council powers and responsibilities in the field of conflict prevention. At this time, it is especially urgent for the Security Council to uphold its responsibility to bring about a political settlement on Syria, in accordance with resolution 2254 (2015), under United Nations auspices. Sustaining peace is a key part of prevention. My report on sustaining peace (S/2018/43) is now before the entire membership, and I look forward to taking forward its proposals. Prevention also depends crucially on advancing sustainable and inclusive development. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development offers an integrated framework for addressing the economic and social drivers of conflict and for building stable societies, including through a focus on institutions and the rule of law.”
2018-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8185 (2018) · source
“The role played in those contexts by the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel underscores the value of United Nations regional political presences, as in other contexts does the work of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa and the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia. Mediation is among the paths suggested by Chapter VI. In recent weeks, the new High-Level Mediation Advisory Board has undertaken its first initiative. We have planned a number of other missions - with the agreement of the countries concerned - to Member States facing stability challenges. My own good offices are available to the Security Council at all times to help prevent, manage or resolve conflicts.”
2018-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8185 (2018) · source
“The United Nations is there to offer support to States in resolving their disputes and preventing the emergence of crises. The International Court of Justice is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. 1 encourage Member States to accept the compulsory jurisdiction of the Court and to make greater use of the Court and of other international courts and tribunals to help settle and avoid the escalation of their disputes. The United Nations prevention efforts in The Gambia, Guinea and Burkina Faso over the past several years, always taken in coordination with and often in direct support of the activities of the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States, highlight the conditions under which these efforts are most successful.”
2018-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8185 (2018) · source
“This vision extends beyond wars and conflicts to natural disasters, fragility and other kinds of stress. Our commitment must be to all human rights - civil, political, economic, social and cultural - and to eliminate discrimination based on gender, religion, race, nationality or other status. Across this work, we must recognize the great power of women's participation, which makes peace agreements sturdier, societies more resilient and economies more vigorous. Preventing crises is primarily the responsibility of Member States. Chapter VI of the Charter describes the tools that are available to them for that purpose: negotiation, enquiry, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, judicial settlement and other peaceful measures and means.”
2018-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8185 (2018) · source
“Addressing the challenge of migration, as well as the threats of climate change and inequality, will test the Charter and our capacity to secure a better world for all. Thus, while the Charter's principles are as relevant as ever, we must continue to update its tools, we must use those tools with greater determination, and we must go back to the Charter's roots for inspiration as we strive to deliver for "we the peoples". That work starts with prevention. As I said to the Council at the beginning of my mandate, the international community spends far more time and resources responding to crises than in preventing them. We have to rebalance our approach to international peace and security. Our goal must be to do everything we can to help countries avert the outbreak of crises that take a high toll on humankind.”
2018-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8185 (2018) · source
“They placed people at the heart of the Charter and proclaimed that the true basis of peace was to be found in promoting respect for human rights and securing social progress and better standards oflife in larger freedom for all. Today, the Charter's principles - non-use of force, peaceful settlement of disputes, non-intervention, cooperation, self-determination and the sovereign equality of Member States - remain the foundation of international relations. The values it proclaims - equal rights, non-discrimination, tolerance and good-neighbourliness - remain guideposts for global harmony. However, the challenges we face have evolved, the drivers of conflict have become more complex, new threats have emerged, and the consequences of instability now flow far beyond their source.”
2018-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8185 (2018) · source
“Let me also acknowledge that the liberation of Kuwait from the forces of Saddam Hussein took place 27 years ago this month. This anniversary - of an undertaking in which the international community used the Charter to uphold the Charter - is a fitting backdrop to today's discussion. The Charter of the United Nations has stood the test of time. Drafted following the utter collapse of international order, it helped to stitch the world back together. Drawn up as the full scope of the Holocaust was emerging, it is part of the global bulwark against international crimes today. But of course, the founders of our Organization understood that recovering from the Second World War was not only a matter of preventing crimes.”
2018-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8185 (2018) · source
“But I believe that eastern Ghouta cannot wait, and so my appeal to all those involved is for an immediate suspension of all war activities in eastern Ghouta, allowing humanitarian aid to reach all those in need and for the evacuation of an estimated 700 people who need urgent treatment that cannot be provided there, and creating the possibility for other civilians to be effectively treated on-site. This is a human tragedy that is unfolding before our eyes, and I do not think we can allow things to go on happening in this horrendous way. I thank the Government of Kuwait for organizing this briefing. I would like to express my appreciation to Kuwait for hosting last week's International Conference for Reconstruction of Iraq. I reiterate the call I made there for global solidarity with Iraq in the task of reconstruction.”
2018-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8185 (2018) · source
“Allow me, in this very important debate related to the Charter and to the maintenance of international peace and security, to convey, before reading out my statement, a personal emotion that I cannot hide. I am deeply saddened by the terrible suffering of the civilian population in eastern Ghouta, where 400,000 people live in hell on Earth. I know that very important consultations are taking place in the Council, aimed at achieving a cessation of hostilities in Syria for a month, with a number of conditions, and of course I fully support that effort.”
2018-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8185 (2018) · source
“At the same time, conditions for Palestinians in Gaza, which has been under the control of Hamas for a decade, are dire. Shortfalls in the funding of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) are a matter of international concern. The human security, rights and dignity of 5 million Palestine refugees are at stake. So, too, is the stability of the region. I appeal to the international community to step up its generous support. This is a time for dialogue, for reconciliation, for reason. At this moment of grave consequence, I appeal for effective concerted action by all parties. It is more important than ever. Allow me now, Mr. President, to ask you to give the floor to the Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Mr.”
2018-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8183 (2018) · source
“I am here to reiterate my full personal commitment, and the commitment of the United Nations to supporting the parties in their efforts to achieve a two-State solution - a solution of two democratic States, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace within secure and recognized borders; and a solution that addresses all final-status issues on the basis of relevant United Nations resolutions, international law and mutual agreements. There is no plan B. Yet we must face today's sad reality. After decades of support, the global consensus for a two-State solution could be eroding. Obstacles on the ground have the potential to create an irreversible one-State reality. It is simply impossible to square the circle of a one-State reality with the legitimate national, historic and democratic aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians.”
2018-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8183 (2018) · source
“I have just returned from a visit to Kuwait, which generously hosted a conference on the reconstruction of Iraq and helped mobilize critical resources. The international community showed its gratitude to the Iraqi people for their courageous victory over Da'esh. The support is a vote of confidence in the Government and the people of Iraq. Kuwait, Mr. President, played a very important leadership role in that very successful meeting. Unfortunately, positive developments in Iraq are an exception in the region. That context underscores the need for a political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has lasted for far too long.”
2018-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8183 (2018) · source
“The United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia and the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan are cooperating closely and continue to seek out new ways to deepen their support. The entire United Nations family stands ready to assist in promoting greater cooperation and integration among the countries of Central Asia and Afghanistan towards achieving the goals of peace, sustainable development, stability and security.”
2018-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8162 (2018) · source
“Regional cooperation offers opportunities to address common concerns, including countering terrorist financing, improving border security, fostering dialogue with religious institutions and leaders, and countering human trafficking and drug smuggling. The upcoming meeting of the Kabul Process for Peace and Security Cooperation will be an opportunity for the Afghan Government to set out its vision for a more structured peace and security process coordinated with the wider region, including regional efforts to fight terrorism and violent extremism. The United Nations stands ready to support those efforts. With greater regional collaboration and investment, Central Asia and Afghanistan have the potential to become symbols of dialogue, peace and the promotion of contacts among cultures, religions and civilizations.”
2018-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8162 (2018) · source
“Effective counter-terrorism depends upon regional and multilateral cooperation based firmly on human rights. The five countries of Central Asia have now completed the second phase of the joint plan of action for implementing the United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy, adopted in 2011. I was honoured to host the high-level dialogue on the strategy during my visit last June. The regional plan brings Central Asian countries together to share best practices and lessons learned, thereby reflecting the five countries' joint commitment to addressing and defeating terrorism with the support of the United Nations.”
2018-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8162 (2018) · source